- The city is home to the Altamura Man, a Neanderthal fossil skeleton found inside the Lamalunga Cave that remains one of the best-preserved specimens of its kind.
- Altamura’s historic center features unique 'claustri'—small, enclosed square-like residential courtyards—which were originally designed to protect inhabitants from the elements and outsiders.
- The city holds a strict DOP status for its bread, which must be produced in Altamura using specific ancient grain varieties and artisanal wood-fired oven methods.
- Despite its location in a karst landscape, the city sits near one of the largest concentrations of dinosaur tracks in the world, discovered in the nearby Fornello quarry.
- The city's cathedral is the only one in Puglia founded directly by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century.
About Altamura
Altamura is a historic city in Puglia, Italy, world-renowned for its protected 'Pane di Altamura' sourdough bread and its rich Paleolithic heritage. The city structure is defined by its medieval Claustri, tight-knit residential courtyards that preserved cultural cohesion over centuries. Visitors can explore the Romanesque architecture of the [26787] Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption or examine the massive [171907] Megalithic Walls that date back to the 5th century BC. The city serves as a gateway to the Murgia plateau, blending prehistoric discoveries with a vibrant Apulian urban core.
Highlights of Altamura
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the intricate Romanesque carvings on the portal and the rare 13th-century stone carvings preserved in the interior.
Places of interest
Walk segments of these ancient defensive fortifications to appreciate the city's strategic importance in antiquity.
Historical places
Pass through this historic gateway, once the main entrance to the fortified medieval settlement.
Venues
Experience local performing arts in a building that has served as the city's cultural heart since the 19th century.
Parks
Find a quiet space for a walk in this central green area, a primary recreational hub for local residents.
Top things to do in Altamura
The 161 highest-rated places in Altamura, ranked by travellers.
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Places of interest
The Ponte Acquedotto sul torrente Gravina is an 18th-century double-level masonry bridge spanning the Gravina river cany...
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Temples
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Altamura is a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture commission...
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Places of interest
Gravina Sotterranea consists of a sprawling network of underground chambers, tunnels, and caves carved directly into the...
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Historical places
Porta Bari is the most significant surviving gateway of the ancient defensive walls surrounding the historic center of A...
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Venues
La Grande Festa Di Pierino is a specialized events and banquet venue located in the rural landscape of the Alta Murgia N...
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Venues
Teatro Mercadante in Altamura is a historic cultural institution dedicated to the composer Saverio Mercadante, who was b...
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Amusement parks
Brigands Park (Parco dei Briganti) is an outdoor adventure and amusement park situated in the Alta Murgia National Park...
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Venues
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Altamura on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Altamura
Spring (April to June) and early Autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures ideal for exploring the historic streets and surrounding Murgia plateau without summer heat extremes.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the historic center, visit the archaeological sites, and sample the local culinary heritage.
The historic center is highly walkable due to its compact medieval layout, while regional buses or rental cars are necessary for reaching sites outside the city walls.
Stay within the Centro Storico to remain within walking distance of medieval landmarks and local bakeries, or near the modern district for easier parking access.
Mid-range; while dining is generally affordable, accommodation prices reflect the moderate demand for authentic Apulian tourism.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 161 curated attractions in and around Altamura, ranked by traveller ratings.
Ponte Acquedotto sul torrente Gravina is the highest-rated place to visit in Altamura right now.
The largest category is temples, with 71 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
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